Big cat conservation
Looking into the eyes of a big cat is connecting yourself to the circle of life. These animals are ambassadors to the African wilderness and unmistakable emblems to the fragility of these spaces. On a hot summer day, we rode alongside a conservation patroller to learn more about these beautiful cats and the efforts being made to keep them alive.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Species: Panthera pardus (leopard), Panthera leo (lion)
Status: Vulnerable (IUCN, 2024)
Fun fact: Leopards can run up to 58km/h and jump 6m high
Queen Elizabeth National Park ​
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Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is a haven for big cats, especially its famous tree-climbing lions and elusive leopards. The park's diverse landscapes, from open savannahs to dense forests, provide the perfect backdrop for these majestic predators. In the Ishasha sector, you can spot lions lounging in fig trees, a rare and captivating sight. Meanwhile, leopards stealthily navigate the park's woodlands and riverbanks, making it a prime location for those seeking to experience the thrill of observing Africa's top predators in their natural habitat.
We spent the morning exploring this beautiful park with Thomas, a local government conservationist. As we toured in the safari vehicle, Thomas would impart local knowledge about the big cats in the area, while wielding his trust telemetry equipment. This gear picks up signals emitted by collars that are put on to animals; as we get closer the signal strengthens, allowing us to pinpoint the individual. It isn't long before we find a gorgeous Spotted Leopard, hunkered in a candelabra tree, a specialized type of succulent. This elusive species rather prefers a cryptic lifestyle, usually going about its day alone. If it wasn't for the collar, we probably wouldn't have been able to find this fine fellow.
Collaring big cats like lions and leopards in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a key conservation strategy to help protect these animals. By fitting GPS collars on selected cats, researchers can acquire important information allowing to track movement and better understand behaviour. This data is crucial for conservationists, as it guides them in making decisions that help ensure the survival of these magnificent predators. In this part of the country, human-wildlife conflict is the biggest threat to their survival, with issues arising when lions prey on livestock belonging to communities living near the park. Since many local people rely on cattle, goats, and other livestock for their livelihoods, the loss of even a single animal to a lion can be devastating.
When such incidents occur, farmers often retaliate by killing lions to protect their remaining livestock. This can be done through poisoning or setting traps, leading to a decline in lion populations. Habitat encroachment is another factor contributing to this conflict. As human settlements and agricultural activities expand closer to the park's boundaries, lions' natural habitats shrink, pushing them into closer contact with humans and livestock.
To address these issues, conservation efforts in Queen Elizabeth National Park involve engaging local communities by educating them on the importance of big cats and promoting coexistence through initiatives like compensation for livestock losses and training in non-lethal deterrents, such as predator-proof enclosures. By reducing the economic impact on farmers and promoting coexistence, these initiatives aim to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and protect the lion population in the park. Additionally, the park has ramped up anti-poaching patrols and law enforcement to protect lions and leopards from illegal hunting and trade. Sustainable tourism also plays a crucial role, as visitors contribute to conservation funding through park fees and donations, supporting ongoing research and protection efforts.
Find out how the Uganda Wildlife Authority is conserving and sustaining the country's wildlife